In a statement victory, senior point guard Jamal Shead led the charge with 13 points, six rebounds, and eight assists as the No. 1 University of Houston Men’s Basketball team clinched the Big 12 regular-season championship in their inaugural season in the conference. The Cougars asserted their dominance with a commanding 76-46 triumph over No. 14 Kansas at Fertitta Center on Saturday afternoon.
Senior guard Damian Dunn contributed 12 points, while senior guard L.J. Cryer added 11 points and senior forward J’Wan Roberts chipped in 10 points and eight rebounds for the Cougars (28-3, 15-3). Houston capitalized on a strong first-half performance, securing a commanding 40-21 lead at halftime by shooting 46% from the field and sinking six 3-pointers.
Reflecting on the victory, Shead emphasized the team’s determination to showcase their capabilities, stating, “They didn’t get our best shot at Kansas, we got theirs. I guess we gave them our best shot today.”
Houston’s defensive prowess was on full display as they forced 18 turnovers, converting them into 30 points. Coach Kelvin Sampson expressed satisfaction with the team’s achievement, asserting, “We’re a damn good basketball program. We should never ever, ever, ever take a backseat to anybody.”
The win marked Houston’s ninth consecutive victory, extending their home winning streak to an impressive 22 games. Meanwhile, Kansas (22-9, 10-8) faced a tough road defeat, shooting a dismal 33% from the field and struggling from beyond the arc, going 3-for-21 on 3-point attempts.
Despite a valiant effort from Hunter Dickinson, who contributed 11 points and six rebounds for Kansas before exiting with a shoulder injury, the Jayhawks faltered against Houston’s relentless pressure. Coach Bill Self confirmed Dickinson’s dislocated shoulder, expressing uncertainty about his availability moving forward.
With the Big 12 Tournament looming, both teams are gearing up for postseason challenges, with Houston poised to maintain their momentum as they vie for championship glory. The victory not only solidifies Houston’s status as a formidable force in college basketball but also underscores their historic achievement in clinching their 12th regular-season conference championship under Coach Sampson’s leadership.
A harrowing TikTok video capturing a spine-chilling encounter between two Fort Worth Zoo employees and a silverback gorilla named Elmo has swept across social media platforms this week, amassing nearly 70 million views. The gripping footage, recorded in October but only recently surfaced, showcases the nerve-racking moments when the zookeepers found themselves confined in the same space as the 34-year-old male gorilla.
In the video, one of the workers is seen hastily making her way towards safety, scrambling through an exit as Elmo charges in her direction, toppling over a plastic bin in his path. Subsequently, the gorilla turns his attention to another employee standing a distance away, clutching a bucket. Amidst horrified murmurs and prayers from onlookers, the tense standoff unfolds, capturing the attention of tens of thousands of netizens who flooded the TikTok’s comments section.
Ben White, a 22-year-old former security guard at the zoo and the individual who posted the video, explained to WFAA reporters that he stumbled upon the footage while perusing his camera roll. White, who left his position at the zoo in February, assured that neither Elmo nor the employees suffered any injuries during the incident. “We made sure that the animal was secured and then the keepers were OK,” he stated.
In an interview with the Dallas Morning News, White emphasized that the video was not intended as a condemnation of zoos, highlighting their crucial role in conservation efforts. Fort Worth Zoo spokesperson Avery Elander echoed this sentiment, attributing the incident to staff error and commending the zookeepers for their adept handling of the situation.
Elmo, described as a “gentle giant” by zoo officials, is reported to have been more surprised than aggressive during the encounter. Furthermore, Elmo recently made headlines as the father of Jameela, a baby gorilla born via emergency cesarean section in January. However, concerns persist as the zoo continues its search for a suitable surrogate mother for Jameela, given her mother Sekani’s inability to provide necessary maternal care.
Amidst the viral attention garnered by the gorilla incident, the Fort Worth Zoo faced another social media uproar following the circulation of a Facebook video depicting an orangutan smoking a cigarette. The zoo swiftly responded, assuring the public of the animal’s safety and urging visitors to report any behavior that may endanger the welfare of the animals.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by zoos in ensuring the well-being of both their staff and the animals under their care, amidst the scrutiny of an ever-watchful online audience.
Universal Pictures had reasons to rejoice as they geared up for a momentous evening at the Academy Awards with their highly anticipated film, “Oppenheimer.” Alongside this, the studio toasted the triumphant debut of “Kung Fu Panda 4,” which stormed into theaters over the weekend, clinching the top spot with an impressive $58.3 million in domestic ticket sales, as per Sunday estimates.
Marking the return of the beloved DreamWorks Animation franchise after a hiatus since its third installment in 2016, “Kung Fu Panda 4” exceeded expectations, outperforming all sequels except the original 2008 hit, which premiered with $60.2 million. The film’s success was attributed to its timely release as the first major family-friendly offering since the December releases of “Migration” and “Wonka.” Internationally, “Kung Fu Panda 4” also made a notable mark, adding $22 million to its global box office haul.
Meanwhile, last week’s reigning champion, “Dune: Part Two,” continued its impressive run in its sophomore week, experiencing a modest 44% drop in revenue. The sci-fi epic sequel, directed by Denis Villeneuve, raked in $46 million, pushing its domestic cumulative earnings to $157 million for Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures.
Bolstered by positive reviews, strong word-of-mouth, and a captivating storyline featuring sand worms, “Dune: Part Two” appears poised for an enduring theatrical presence. While most of Sunday’s Oscar nominees have transitioned to home viewing platforms, “Dune” stands as a potential contender for next year’s Academy Awards.
In the weekend’s new releases, Lionsgate and Blumhouse’s horror offering “Imaginary,” revolving around a malevolent teddy bear, debuted in third place with $10 million. Following closely behind was “Cabrini,” a biopic centered on 19th-century Catholic missionary Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, portrayed by Cristiana Dell’Anna. Distributed by Angel Studios, the same company behind the 2023 sleeper hit “Sound of Freedom,” “Cabrini” garnered $7.5 million in ticket sales.
Additionally, A24 introduced the critically acclaimed neo-noir “Love Lies Bleeding,” starring Kristen Stewart, across five screens in New York and Los Angeles. The film earned $167,463, boasting a commendable per-screen average of $33,493.
As final domestic figures are slated for release on Monday, the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, provided by Comscore, underscore the dynamic landscape of the box office:
Here at Que Onda Magazine, we are thrilled to share our predictions for the upcoming 96th annual Academy Awards. With our finger on the pulse of the entertainment industry, we’ve closely followed the trajectory of this year’s nominees and are excited to offer our insights into some of the most highly anticipated categories.
Best Picture: Oppenheimer It would be a major upset if “Oppenheimer” didn’t take home the top prize this year. Christopher Nolan’s epic historical drama has not only captivated audiences and critics but also dominated the awards season with its compelling narrative and technical brilliance. With an impressive 13 nominations and a global box office success, “Oppenheimer” is poised to make a significant impact at the Oscars.
Best Director: Christopher Nolan for Oppenheimer Christopher Nolan’s visionary direction in “Oppenheimer” sets him apart as the standout contender in this category. With a career defined by groundbreaking films, Nolan’s command over the medium shines through in his latest masterpiece, making him a deserving candidate for the Best Director award.
Best Actor: Cillian Murphy for Oppenheimer Cillian Murphy’s riveting performance in “Oppenheimer” has earned him critical acclaim and accolades, positioning him as the favorite for the Best Actor award. His portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer’s complex character showcases his range and talent, making him a standout contender in a competitive field.
Best Actress: Lily Gladstone for Killers of the Flower Moon Lily Gladstone’s subtle yet powerful performance in “Killers of the Flower Moon” has garnered widespread praise and recognition. As the heart of the film, Gladstone delivers a performance that resonates with audiences, making her a strong contender for the Best Actress award.
Best Supporting Actor: Robert Downey Jr. for Oppenheimer Robert Downey Jr.’s intense and charismatic portrayal of Lewis Strauss in “Oppenheimer” makes him the frontrunner in this category. His nuanced performance elevates the character beyond a mere antagonist, showcasing his depth as an actor.
Best Supporting Actress: Da’Vine Joy Randolph for The Holdovers Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s heartfelt performance in “The Holdovers” has earned her praise and recognition throughout awards season. Her portrayal of Mary, a grieving mother, is both touching and memorable, making her a deserving candidate for the Best Supporting Actress award.
Best Adapted Screenplay: Cord Jefferson for American Fiction Cord Jefferson’s adaptation of “American Fiction” has garnered critical acclaim and recognition, positioning him as the frontrunner in this category. His skillful adaptation of Percival Everett’s novel delivers a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences.
Best Original Screenplay: Anatomy of a Fall “Anatomy of a Fall” is our top pick for the Best Original Screenplay award. Its gripping storyline and compelling characters make it a standout in this category, showcasing the talent of writer-director Justine Triet.
Best International Film: The Zone of Interest Jonathan Glazer’s “The Zone of Interest” is our prediction for the Best International Film award. Its innovative approach to storytelling and powerful themes make it a standout in this category, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Best Animated Feature: The Boy and the Heron Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron” is our choice for the Best Animated Feature award. Its breathtaking animation and captivating storytelling make it a standout in this category, showcasing Miyazaki’s unparalleled talent.
Best Documentary Feature: 20 Days in Mariupol “20 Days in Mariupol” is our prediction for the Best Documentary Feature award. Its harrowing portrayal of life in a besieged Ukrainian city offers a powerful and insightful perspective on the realities of war.
Best Original Score: Oppenheimer Ludwig Göransson’s score for “Oppenheimer” is our top pick for the Best Original Score award. Its evocative composition enhances the film’s atmosphere and emotional impact, making it a standout in this category.
Best Cinematography: Oppenheimer Hoyte van Hoytema’s cinematography in “Oppenheimer” is our prediction for the Best Cinematography award. His masterful use of visual language captures both the intimacy of the characters and the grandeur of the film’s setting, making it a standout in this category.
With our predictions in place, we eagerly anticipate the unveiling of the winners at the Oscars. Stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine for comprehensive coverage of the event and all the latest updates from the world of cinema.
A Texas father, Carey Birmingham, aged 60, was handed a 10-year prison sentence this week after being convicted of fatally shooting his wife in the head following revelations of her alleged affair. The shocking incident, captured on camera, unfolded outside their residence in Spring, Texas, in December 2021.
According to reports from ABC 13, Birmingham uttered chilling words to his wife, Patricia, moments before pulling the trigger, stating, “You’re going to meet Jesus.” The distressing scene, captured on video, depicted Birmingham firing his gun three times as Patricia stood outside their home.
The tragic episode ensued following a heated argument between the couple, lasting approximately 30 minutes, fueled by Birmingham’s discovery of his wife’s alleged infidelity.
In an attempt to defend his client, Birmingham’s lawyer, Anthony Osso, disclosed that Birmingham opted to plead guilty before an all-women jury, seeking to portray the shooting as an impulsive act borne out of the heat of the moment. “We never tried to justify the actions of our client, but the defense wasn’t about justification. It was about why he did what he did,” Osso explained.
However, Birmingham’s daughter, Olivia, has expressed skepticism regarding her father’s defense, asserting that such a drastic act of violence could not have been a result of sudden passion. “You have to have made that decision within you for a while; I feel like to do something, to do that to someone you really love,” Olivia remarked in an interview with ABC 13.
Olivia, who was at school when the fatal shooting occurred, lamented the loss of both parents on that fateful day. “I lost both my parents that day. My dad died that day, too, because the person who did that to my mom and my father aren’t the same person,” she emotionally recounted.
Moreover, Olivia accused her father of subjecting her to emotional and financial abuse, expressing her inability to forgive him for his actions.
Birmingham’s sentence includes the possibility of parole after five years.
A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center sheds light on Latino viewpoints regarding the ongoing challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border, revealing nuanced perspectives on potential solutions. Released on Monday, Pew’s analysis indicates that while a majority of Latinos recognize the troubles at the border, they differ from other Americans in their attitudes towards responses such as increased deportations and border wall expansion.
According to the survey, approximately three-quarters of Latinos perceive the escalating number of migrants attempting to cross the border as a significant problem or crisis. Similarly, a comparable portion expresses dissatisfaction with the federal government’s management of the situation.
The survey findings reveal a divergence in opinion on effective strategies. While around two-thirds of Latinos advocate for expediting asylum decisions through bolstering judicial and staffing resources, 58% believe that expanding legal migration pathways could alleviate the issue. In contrast, only a third of Hispanics support heightened deportations of undocumented individuals, and merely a quarter endorse substantial expansion of the U.S.-Mexico border wall.
In contrast, a majority of non-Hispanic Americans (55%) endorse increased deportations as a means to address the crisis, with 45% supporting border wall expansion.
Immigration has emerged as a central issue in the 2024 election, with Republicans making gains among Latino voters.
The Pew survey, based on responses from over 5,000 American adults, including 879 Hispanics, was conducted between January 16 and 21.
These findings come amid record-high encounters reported by Customs and Border Protection, exceeding 300,000 in a single month. Encounters encompass individuals apprehended at the border, including those released pending asylum decisions or promptly removed.
The survey delves into proposed solutions to the migrant crisis. Most Latino respondents (57%) endorse facilitating legal work opportunities for migrants awaiting asylum decisions, while less than half (40%) support increased resources for temporary accommodations upon arrival in the U.S.
Regarding reasons for migration, both Latino and non-Latino respondents attribute the phenomenon to adverse economic conditions in Latin America and promising opportunities in the U.S. However, Democratic Latinos are more inclined to acknowledge violence in migrants’ home countries as a driving factor, whereas Republican Latinos are likelier to attribute migration to perceived leniency in U.S. immigration policies.
Houston Independent School District (HISD) principals found themselves on edge Thursday evening as nearly half received notifications regarding their “mid-year proficiency screenings,” which indicated a need for further evaluation and improvement to retain their positions, according to a report by Sam Gonzalez Kelly of the Houston Chronicle.
The timing of the notifications, issued just before the start of spring break, potentially disrupts holiday plans for affected principals.
Superintendent Mike Miles personally addressed the matter with 117 principals representing a diverse range of schools, from the lowest to the highest performing. These administrators were informed of the necessity for further assessments to enhance their instructional leadership capabilities.
In documents obtained by the Houston Chronicle, Miles emphasized the importance of continual progress towards proficiency, stating, “Your results demonstrate that you are working to be a proficient instructional leader and need to continue making progress towards that goal.”
The mid-year evaluations relied on insights gathered by an independent district team through classroom observations of core subject teachers in February, alongside analysis of mid-year interim STAAR results.
Despite the challenging news, HISD expressed optimism, noting that 125 principals exhibited the requisite quality of instructional leadership to retain their roles for the upcoming academic year. The district assured that those who did not achieve a rating of “Proficient 1” or higher would have the opportunity to meet performance expectations through a subsequent screening process scheduled for April.
Among the affected schools are Westside High School, Lovett Elementary School, Tanglewood Middle School, DeBakey High School, Meyerland Middle School, Kolter Elementary School, and HSPVA.
The district’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to fostering excellence in educational leadership, ensuring that principals meet the standards necessary for student success.
In a bid to elevate its dairy offerings, retail giant Walmart has set its sights on Texas dairy farmers for support in its latest venture.
On March 7th, Walmart announced its intentions to establish its third milk processing facility in Robinson, Texas, just south of Waco. This move follows a similar strategy employed by competitor H-E-B, which disclosed plans late last year to expand its milk processing facility in San Antonio as part of an initiative to enhance its brand products, including H-E-B Mootopia, H-E-B Organics, and lactose-free dairy products.
Walmart aims to enhance its own brand presence in the dairy market. The new facility, as per a Walmart news release, will be tasked with processing and bottling various milk options under Walmart’s Great Value and Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark brands.
However, H-E-B is anticipated to lead the charge, with its San Antonio facility expansion slated for completion by this summer, whereas Walmart’s facility is expected to commence operations in 2026.
Once operational, Walmart’s facility intends to distribute its milk products to over 750 Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs across the South, encompassing regions in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.
Prior to venturing into Texas, Walmart established its inaugural milk processing facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 2018. Another facility is set to open in Valdosta, Georgia, by 2025.
Highlighting the local sourcing aspect, Walmart underscores its commitment to transparency regarding product origins. Bruce Heckman, vice president of manufacturing at Walmart, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We’re excited to be able to provide Texas and its surrounding states with high-quality milk sourced primarily from Texas dairy farmers.”
Walmart’s endeavor is also hailed by Governor Greg Abbott for its potential economic benefits. Abbott emphasized that the facility will generate approximately 400 new job opportunities for the local community, situated just 7 miles south of downtown Waco.
“Walmart’s new processing facility in Robinson is exciting news for Texas, creating millions in investment for the local economy and hundreds of new, good-paying jobs for hardworking Texans in Central Texas,” said Abbott in a release.
The announcement of these large-scale milk processing facilities coincides with a period of declining dairy milk consumption. Some dairy farmers, including those in Texas, are exploring innovative approaches to rekindle interest, such as introducing Dr. Pepper-flavored eggnog.
Crawfish enthusiasts along the Gulf Coast are facing disappointment this season as a perfect storm of factors has led to a significant shortage in supply. As the much-anticipated crawfish season gets underway, farmers and restaurateurs are grappling with the fallout, leaving many wondering when they’ll be able to indulge in their favorite Cajun delicacy.
Last summer’s harsh conditions in Louisiana, where the majority of crawfish production in the U.S. occurs, dealt a severe blow to the industry. Record-breaking drought and scorching temperatures, compounded by a lack of freshwater to flood the fields, hampered crawfish reproduction efforts. The devastating impact of these challenges has led to an estimated 60 percent loss in Louisiana’s $230 million crawfish industry.
Scott Broussard, owner of Acadia Crawfish, a major distributor based in Crowley, Louisiana, highlighted the severity of the situation, expressing disbelief at the extent of the shortage. Despite efforts to source crawfish, Broussard’s supply remains significantly diminished, prompting concerns about the viability of Louisiana’s crawfish farming sector.
Meanwhile, Texas crawfish farmers are also feeling the strain, although to a lesser extent. While extreme weather events have impacted harvests in the Lone Star State, factors such as geographical advantages and innovative farming practices have mitigated some of the losses. Nevertheless, the looming specter of climate change poses ongoing challenges for the industry.
As demand for crawfish remains high, restaurants are feeling the squeeze. Dan Meaux, owner of Crawfish Shack near Houston, made the difficult decision to close temporarily due to skyrocketing prices. Others, like Doug Clothier of Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp in Beaumont, are holding out for more affordable wholesale prices before adding crawfish to their menus.
Despite the uncertainty, some restaurateurs, like Houston chef Tony Nguyen, remain determined to meet customer demand, even at personal cost. Nguyen’s commitment to providing crawfish, albeit at a higher price, underscores the cultural significance of this beloved seafood tradition, even in the face of adversity.
As the crawfish season unfolds, communities along the Gulf Coast are grappling with the implications of this unprecedented shortage, raising concerns about the future of a cherished culinary tradition.
Houston’s own Bun B has added another heavyweight to his already star-studded lineup for the All-American Takeover concert at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: none other than the chart-topping rapper, Drake.
In a social media post on Friday morning, Bun B teased fans with a semi-cryptic image of the OVO owl donning a cowboy hat adorned with the UGK logo, hinting at Drake’s upcoming performance. With the caption “IF YOU’RE READING THIS IT’S TOO LATE,” the message was clear: tickets for the March 12 concert are officially sold out, although resale options are available.
Continuing the tradition of electrifying performances, Bun B has curated an impressive lineup featuring Eve, Nelly, Rick Ross, Too Short, E-40, That Mexican OT, and the Ying Yang Twins, promising an unforgettable night of entertainment on the rodeo’s iconic star-shaped stage.
This marks Bun B’s third rodeo takeover, following the success of his previous editions. In 2022, the “H Town Takeover” showcased a stellar lineup of emerging Houston talent alongside industry veterans like Willie D, Devin the Dude, Slim Thug, and LeToya Luckett. The 2023 edition, dubbed the “Southern Takeover,” featured an array of artists from across the region, including Erykah Badu, Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, Scarface, and Big Mike.
Drake’s connection to Houston runs deep, with the city playing a pivotal role in his rise to fame. Introduced to Lil Wayne by Houston’s own Jas Prince, Drake found mentorship and inspiration in the Bayou City’s vibrant music scene. Paying homage to his roots, Drake has frequently referenced Houston in his music, cementing his affinity for the city and its suburbs in hits like “Houstatlantavegas” and “Desires,” which name-drop Katy, Texas.
